The Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing is an American biplane, notable for its atypical negative wing stagger, with the lower wing positioned forward of the upper wing.
It took to the skies for the first time in 1932.
The Model 17’s distinctive negative stagger wing configuration and its unique shape were designed to maximize pilot visibility and minimize interference drag between the wings, although this was later determined to have a minimal impact.
The fuselage, covered in fabric, was shaped with wooden formers and stringers over a steel tube frame welded together.
Its construction was intricate, requiring numerous man-hours to complete.
The Staggerwing’s retractable conventional landing gear, which was rare at the time, along with its streamlined design, light weight, and robust radial engine, contributed to its impressive performance.
In the mid-1930s, Beech initiated a significant redesign of the aircraft, resulting in the Model D17 Staggerwing.
This version had an extended fuselage that enhanced handling by increasing control leverage, and the ailerons were moved to the upper wings to avoid flap interference.
The braking system was also upgraded with a foot-operated brake connected to the rudder pedals.
With the onset of World War II, several Model B17Ls were utilised as bombers by the Spanish Republican Air Force during the Spanish Civil War.
China also procured Staggerwings for use as air ambulances in its conflict with Imperial Japan.
Additionally, Finland operated one C17L for liaison purposes from 1940 to 1945.
On October 2, 1941, Beech delivered a specially camouflaged D17S to Prince Bernhard of Lippe, who was residing in London after fleeing the German invasion of the Netherlands.
He utilized it for refugee work in and around London.
The Beech UC-43 Traveler was a slightly altered version of the Staggerwing.
In late 1938, the United States Army Air Corps acquired three Model D17Ss to assess them for use as light liaison aircraft, designated as YC-43 (with ‘Y’ indicating a developmental or non-standard type and ‘C’ for Cargo).
Following a brief flight test program, the YC-43s were dispatched to Europe to act as liaison aircraft with air attachés in London, Paris, and Rome.
As World War II progressed, the demand for a compact executive transport or courier aircraft emerged, leading to the United States Army Air Forces ordering the first of 270 Model 17s in 1942 for use both domestically and abroad as the UC-43 (the USAAF designation for Utility, Cargo).
These were virtually identical to the commercial model.
To satisfy the pressing needs of the war, the government also bought or commandeered additional “Staggerwings” from private owners, including 118 for the Army Air Force and others for the United States Navy.
In naval service, these aircraft were labelled GB-1 and GB-2 (the USN designation denoting General purpose, Beech, and the variant number).
The British Royal Air Force and Royal Navy obtained 106 “Traveller Mk. I” (spelled with the UK double ‘l’) through the Lend-Lease program to meet their urgent need for light personnel transports.
The production UC-43 was slightly different from the YC-43 used in service tests.
Notably, the UC-43 featured circular automatic direction finder antennas between the main landing gear and landing lights near the lower wingtips.
All were equipped with the 450 horsepower (336 kilowatt) Pratt & Whitney R-985 engine.
Military Variants
YC-43
Three Beechcraft Model D17S aircraft, each equipped with a 450hp R-985-17 engine, were provided for evaluation by the United States Army Air Corps.
UC-43 Traveler
The production model, equipped with a 450hp R-985-AN-1 engine, was utilized by the USAAC as the UC-43B and by the USN as the GB-1.
UC-43A
The Model D17R is equipped with a 440hp R-975-11 engine.
UC-43B
The Model D17S is equipped with a 450hp R-985-17 engine.
UC-43C
Model F17D with 300hp R-915-1 engine.
UC-43D
Model E17B with 285hp R-830-1 engine.
UC-43E
Model C17R with 440hp R-975-11 engine.
UC-43F
Model D17A with 350hp R-975-3 engine.
UC-43G
Model C17B with 285hp R-830-1 engine.
UC-43H
Model B17R with 440hp R-975-11 engine.
UC-43J
Model C17L with 225hp R-755-1 engine.
UC-43K
Model D17W, one impressed into service.
This aircraft was constructed in 1937 for the renowned aviator Jacqueline Cochran, who held the Women’s National Speed Record at 203.895 miles per hour.
GB-1
USN transport version of the D17.
GB-2
USN version as GB-1 powered with a 450hp R-985-50 or R-985-AN-1 engine, 132 later transferred to USAAF as UC-43s.
Also, additional aircraft from a cancelled British contract and impressed aircraft.
JB-1
One Model C17R as an executive transport for the United States Navy.
Traveller I
British designation for the former US Embassy in London’s YC-43 and 107 UC-43 and GB-2 aircraft delivered mainly for the Royal Navy.
Specifications
Crew
One
Capacity
Three or four passengers plus 125 lb (56.7 kg) baggage
